Glad to Care Awareness Week 2021: Shineeza’s story

7th July 2021

We’re proud to support Glad to Care Awareness week (5th-9th July) to show appreciation for the extraordinary contributions that carers make to the lives of those in care and the reassurance that gives their families and friends – especially in light of the incredibly challenging times during the pandemic. This week we’re shining a light on the careers and experiences of two of our care staff and why they enjoy working in care, and for our charity at Whiteley Village.

Shineeza’s story
Shineeza Bender is one of our most longstanding carers – having worked for our charity at Whiteley Village ever since she left college in 2009. She studied Health and Social Care and did her work experience in Ingram House, our residential care home. The matron was so impressed with her work that she offered her a job on the spot, but Shineeza wanted to finish college. “It was hard though” she said. “For three years I worked literally every day – either at college or as a kitchen assistant in another care home. But eventually I left college and decided to come back to Whiteley taking a job as a care assistant in Whiteley House (our former nursing home).

“The managers were really supportive and after only a few months they encouraged me to train as a senior care assistant, and in 2016 I then became a team leader. I’ve also had the opportunity to work in all the different care homes at Whiteley Village as I relocated to the Eliza Palmer Hub nursing home when Whiteley House closed, and then finally to our residential care home, Ingram House. It’s been really useful experience and last year I was asked to take on more responsibility as a Senior Care Lead.

“I’ve learnt so much over the last 18 months. The pandemic has been very tough for everyone and it was especially challenging trying to keep residents spirits up. We all felt so sorry for them, as at least we could go home to our families, but they couldn’t.

“The team are very committed and responsible here and we’ve had no cases of Covid at all here in Ingram which is amazing and something we’re all really proud of. Things are gradually getting back to normal though and it’s been lovely having visitors in the home again – the residents are so much happier and it’s boosted staff morale too.”

So what makes Whiteley special for Shineeza? “I think it’s the team here – they’re great and everyone looks out for each other. People say you must love it as you’ve been there so long! The years have flown by – I can’t believe it, so I suppose it must be true!”

If you would like to find out more about living in care at Whiteley Village you can visit our website or speak to one of our friendly team on 01932 825841 or email us at: reception@whiteleyvillage.org.uk

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